I have worked in the construction industry most of my life and enjoyed the challenges and opportunities around being a female leader in a male dominated industry. I love the buzz of doing deals either selling or buying and particularly have appreciate the experiences of working both in the UK and Europe meeting suppliers & customers across the Drywall, Insulation & Interiors markets. I have worked with some inspirational people and some fantastic leaders, many of which have overcome personal and professional challenges to succeed. Some of my greatest achievements have been to develop people & see them grow and evolve into senior roles within the Distribution & Manufacturing markets.
I have travelled with work extensively in Europe to develop product or commercial business opportunities – this has been fun and challenging but meeting people & building relationships remains a core part of doing a role.
I am predominantly a Distribution commercial specialist, however the last few years experience has been more around business turnaround in a manufacturing environment working to create a sustainable profitable business that provides security for the employees & their families – this combined with a fierce drive to overcome adversity and commercial challenges has extended my skills and understanding of leadership. Hopefully making me a better leader!
People deal with people and that has been shown in the last few years in the Building materials distribution & merchanting sectors – trust, integrity & relationships matter.
Fun Facts: I learned to drive when I was 12, I wanted to be a Film & TV make up artist, I love Hendos! (Henderson Relish – A Sheffield legendary relish)
Favourite TV shows: Brassic, Location & lots of Documentaries /Travel / Art/
Favourite Sport:- Shopping & Travel! – or more seriously Skiing, Tennis, Rugby & Football
Favourite Film: Jackie Brown or Finding Nemo
Favourite Genre of Music: Too many – R & B, Dance, 80s/90s, Indie/ Rock
What do you like: South of France, Architecture & Interiors, Nice people, kindness, my family, traveling, Art, Fashion &hunting in Charity Shops
What do you dislike: Hubris, Narcissism & general rudeness – also bad parking, poor manners & some Motorways!
What Technology do you like: Pretty standard stuff – Mobiles, I Pads, etc.
What couldn’t you live without: Nick & Noodle (My Cavapoo) – and a car with a map!
Who would you most like to meet: Rylan!
Favourite Drink: A nice White Burgundy wine
Favourite Food: Chicken! And Chocolate
What advice would you give someone:
Don’t worry about making mistakes, learn to adapt with change, be honest & keep your integrity, work with people you like & trust, learn to listen & understand, you cant do stuff alone – learn to share, be curious & build up information to support any decisions – keep interested in people and the culture.
Decide if you are more suited to a small or large operation private or corporate – there are some important differences , know the financial position and goals of the business in order to understand how your role will be impacted. Work balance is important but family is more important. Talking & listening are vital – be empathetic. Try to enjoy work – if not look for something else!